Featured Image: Dr. Jeanne Randolph admires the work of her late partner, Bernie Miller, artist of The Poet, The Fever Hospital in David Pecaut Square in downtown Toronto.
ArtWalk 2.0, was successfully launched August 30th at an event enjoyed by community members, art enthusiasts, and some creators of the original public art pieces. An augmentation of the original online map and self-guided walking tour that launched in 2021, now incorporates an audio component for 70+ artworks plus six augmented reality experiences. These include the CN Tower and five iconic downtown Toronto artworks and buildings by diverse artists from Canada and abroad. ArtWalk 2.0 is accessible to art lovers or those new to exploring art, is completely free, and offers an immersive, multi-sensorial journey that adds a new dimension to the city’s art scene.
“ArtWalk 2.0 creates an experience where residents and visitors alike can connect with the district’s rich concentration of art and history. It encourages dialogue, ignites curiosity, and transforms Toronto’s downtown into an interactive cultural playground,” says Dana Duncanson, Director, Marketing & Communications, Toronto Downtown West BIA. “With support from our partners at Exar Studios and funding from the Government of Canada’s Tourism Relief Fund, ArtWalk represents our commitment to promote, improve and preserve art and culture initiatives in the city.”
“ArtWalk 2.0 showcases Toronto’s commitment to celebrating public art, fostering cultural dialogue, and using technology positively to connect more deeply to our communities,” says Ausma Malik, First Deputy Mayor and Councillor, Spadina-Fort York, Ward 10. “Public art shapes every neighbourhood’s character and sparks reflection, conversation, and appreciation among residents and visitors alike.”
To experience ArtWalk, download the Engage Art app on your iPhone or Android smartphone by visiting YourExperienceAwaits.ca/arts or the Apple or Google app store. Within the app, choose from six different ArtWalk “outings”, which distills the art pieces into curated journeys. Select the outing, put your earphones in, and start walking.
